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MODEL 1904 HAVERSACK – w/ VARIANT INTERIOR FRONT
FLAP POCKET - EXCELLENT “LIKE NEW” SPECIMEN:
Identical in construction to the Model 1904 Haversack
except that this variation features a different
arrangement to the pocket on the inside surface of the
front flap. Rather than the standard split opening for
the interior pocket on the haversack cover flap as
pictured in the diagrams of the Model 1904 Haversack in
the 1905 dated Ordnance Department manual Horse
Equipments and Equipments for Officers and Enlisted Men,
this specimen has a full flapped pocket secured with a
leather tie that would have provided much better
storage, accessibility and security for the contents.
This is only the third example of this variant I have
seen, and it is a definite improvement over the original
design depicted in the above referenced manual.
Other than the variation in the pocket design, this
haversack has all of the other features of the standard
Model 1904, to include the mess utensil pockets, and the
bronze hooks for attaching the haversack to the rear
bottom edge of the pocketed cartridge belt.
The front of this haversack is stenciled “A NY 123”, a
unit identification within the ranks of the New York
National Guard.
This Model 1904 Haversack is in excellent condition, and
in spite of the stencil on the front flap, it shows no
evidence of having been issued or used. The canvas is
clean overall with no significant soiling or staining.
The stenciled marking on the front cover is distinct and
legible, all of the seams are intact, all the pockets on
the interior of the bag are intact, the closing billet
is full length and intact, both brass suspension hooks
are present on the reverse as is the buckle on the
bottom seam, and all three metal fittings retain the
subdued arsenal applied finish. Both elk hide thongs for
closing the interior pocket on the cover flap are
present and in like new condition. The interior surface
of the cover flap is legibly stenciled “ROCK ISLAND
ARSENAL 1908”. It is worth noting that all three
examples of this variant that I’ve seen have had the
same arsenal stamp, with the same date.
This is an excellent example of a
piece of equipment that was necessary for the support
and comfort of every soldier and it would be a special
addition to complete one of your pocketed cartridge
belts. (0176) $150
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